Something vs nothing

Question

In my Grammer book, "something" can't used in positive phrase. So see the below question.

Choose the Best answer for the blank()

A : Did you have a fruitful discussion at the international medical seminar held last Thursday?

B : ( )that I learned.

(a) There was nothing useful

(b) There wasn't something useful

In my textbook, The correct answer is (a),

I want to know why. in detail.

Vluej · Accepted Answer

sorry, In my textbook "SOMETHING" cant use in NEGATIVE phrase.

There isn't something special

Is it incorrect? I want to know why......

Mister Micawber · Answer

Hello, vluej-- and welcome to English Forums.

There is not much detail to give you.

Something inormally appears in affirmative statements: I want something to eat.
Anything normally appears in negative statements & questions: Do you want anything to eat? Don't you want anything to eat? No, I don't want anything to eat.
Nothing normally appears in affirmative statements (since it is negative itself and would create a double negative in a negative statement: I want nothing to eat.

The words can appear less usually in other situations under special conditions:

Do you want something to eat? Don't you want something to eat?-- = I think you do.
I don't want something to eat-- I just want something to drink.-- Contrasting emphasis.
Do you want pizza? A sandwich? A steak? - I want anything to eat! I'm starving!- Emphasis
I don't want nothing to eat-- ( = I don't want anything to eat) Substandard regional English.

Vluej · Answer

HELLO Micawber~:)

I understand your answer.

Thank you for your so detailed answer.!!

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT!

Something vs nothing

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